Brazilian players go through their paces at the Maharaja's College Ground in Kochi. Josekutty PanackalKochi: After all the build-up, it's action time as eternal favorites Brazil take on Spain in the most anticipated group game of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
The match set for a 5 pm kick-off is expected to decide who tops Group D, which also has North Korea and African challengers Niger.
The match, to be played in front of a packed house, promises to be a duel between two sides who play almost a similar brand of football. Relying on short passes, keeping possession, and then teasing their rivals before unleashing the attack will be the preferred choice of both Selecao and La Roja.
The absence of star striker Vinicius Junior has hurt the Brazilians, but they still possess enough talent to worry the Spaniards. Midfielder Alan will have a big role to play in Vinicius's absence.
Off-field worries
Spain on the other hand will a bit worried by the troubles back home where the independence referendum for Catalonia has sparked violent protests.
The Spanish team consists of four Barcelona 'B' players – the Catalan giants played in an empty Camp Nou on Sunday in La Liga – and the developments will surely be at the back of the minds of the youngsters.
The Spanish team management will be trying their level best to keep the players fully focused on the marquee game. Lethal marksman Abel Ruiz, who helped Spain cinch the European U-17 title, will be the single big threat for Brazil.
The Latin Americans are attempting to regain the title after a gap of 14 years and they will know the importance of a good start. Spain, on the other hand, are trying to break their jinx of never having won the title despite making to the title clash thrice.
The second game, set for an 8 pm start, pits Niger and North Korea. Striker Ibrahim Boubacar Marou is the one to watch out for in the Niger ranks. The Africans, who are making their debut in the tournament, are physically strong. The North Koreans have a shaky defense and they will be keen on not conceding an early goal and look to play a tight game. Realistically speaking both sides will be looking to grab the third spot in the Group of Death and advance as one of of the four best-placed sides.
Read also: More U-17 World Cup stories | Pique decides to stay with Spanish national team
